Exeter: 'She's a very smart mare' - Bonttay trimmed for Cheltenham Festival after easy win

Bonttay emerged as a contender for the Mares' Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after brushing her opposition aside in the 2m½f mares' maiden hurdle.

She is now as short as 20-1 for the contest on March 16 after kicking clear of Nothingtochance to win by seven and a half lengths under Connor Brace. It  was the six-year-old's first success over hurdles after looking a classy prospect in bumpers when winning twice at Cheltenham.

Winning trainer Fergal O'Brien, who also part-owns the daughter of Westerner, said: "We think she's a very smart mare. She wasn't straightforward today so there could be some improvement but it was a good run and we're very happy.

"I own her too so that halves the pressure – I'm an easy owner! Her other part-owner, Cedric Brookes, has been a very good man over the years so it's great to share the win with him.

"We'll definitely look at the Mares' Novice Hurdle – She loves Cheltenham."

Sam scores

Sizable Sam has a name that suggests he will be better suited to chasing than hurdling, and he recorded a first win over fences in the 3m novice chase. The Jeremy Scott-trained eight-year-old justified 10-11 favouritism to win by a length under Lorcan Williams.

Milestone win

Jordan Nailor rode out his claim with success aboard Top Of The Bill in the second division of the 2m7f handicap hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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